Who Should Apply for Subclass 190?
The Subclass 190 offers a more accessible pathway to PR with +5 bonus points. Find out if state nomination is the right strategy for your Australian migration goals.
? Ideal Candidates
1. Mid-Range Points Scorers (60-80 Points)
Perfect Match: If you have 60-75 base points, the 190's +5 bonus brings you to a competitive 65-80 total points - much more achievable than waiting for a 189 invitation!
You're a great fit if you have:
- Age 25-39 (good age points)
- Proficient English (IELTS 7+ or equivalent)
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 3-7 years skilled work experience
- Base score of 60-75 points
2. Open to State Commitment
Choose Subclass 190 if you're willing to:
- Live and work in a specific state initially (typically 2 years)
- Make genuine attempts to settle in that state
- Build your life in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide
- Accept the moral commitment (not legally enforced)
Reality: Many 190 holders stay in their nominating state long-term because they build careers, buy homes, and create communities there. It's not a burden - it's an opportunity!
3. Occupations on State Lists
Your chances are excellent if your occupation is:
- On state nomination lists: Often broader than MLTSSL
- In demand regionally: Check each state's priority lists
- Healthcare or education: Almost all states need these
- Trades and construction: High demand in growing states
4. Faster PR Seekers
Perfect for you if you:
- Want to get PR sooner rather than later
- Don't want to wait years for 189 invitation
- Are willing to be strategic about location
- Value speed over location flexibility
5. Not in Major Metro Areas Yet
Ideal if you:
- Haven't established roots in a specific city
- Are flexible about which Australian city to live in
- See value in exploring different Australian states
- Want to avoid the highest cost of living areas
?? Who Should Consider Alternatives?
Very High Points Score (85+)
If you have 85+ base points, consider:
- Subclass 189: You're likely competitive enough for independent visa
- 190 anyway: Still faster invitations and lower competition
- Your choice: You can qualify for both - choose based on location preferences
Committed to Specific Major City
If you must live in a specific city:
- Apply for that state's 190 nomination (if they're nominating)
- Be aware some states (like NSW) rarely nominate for Sydney
- Consider 189 if you want complete freedom
- Look into employer sponsorship for guaranteed city choice
Lower Points (Below 60)
If your base score is below 60:
- Subclass 491: Get 15 bonus points instead of 5
- Improve your points: English, experience, partner skills
- Employer sponsorship: No points test required
Want Complete Independence
If state commitment concerns you:
- Work on improving points for 189
- Understand that 190's commitment is moral, not legal
- Remember you get full PR immediately with freedom after initial period
?? Self-Assessment Questions
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have 60-75 base points? (Check with calculator)
- Is my occupation on state nomination lists?
- Am I under 45 years old?
- Am I willing to commit to a state initially?
- Do I want permanent residence sooner?
- Am I flexible about which city to live in?
- Do I value faster processing over complete independence?
- Can I afford state nomination fees (~AUD $200-330) plus visa costs?
If you answered YES to most questions, Subclass 190 is likely your best pathway!
Comparing Your Options
| Your Situation | Best Visa | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 60-75 base points | 190 | +5 bonus makes you competitive |
| 85+ base points | 189 or 190 | Your choice based on preferences |
| 50-60 base points | 491 | Need +15 regional bonus |
| Open to any location | 190 | Faster, less competitive |
| Must live in Sydney CBD | 189 or TSS | 190 rarely nominates for Sydney |
| Want PR quickly | 190 | More invitation rounds |
?? Strengthening Your 190 Application
To maximize your chances of state nomination:
Boost Your Base Points
- Improve English: Superior English = +10 extra points
- Gain experience: More years = more points
- Partner skills: Qualified partner = +10 points
- Higher education: Master's or PhD = more points
Target the Right States
- Research which states are actively nominating your occupation
- Consider less popular states (SA, Tasmania) with lower competition
- Check if you meet state-specific requirements (work experience, English)
- Look for states offering priority processing
Build State Connections
- Work experience in that state (huge advantage)
- Job offer from state employer (often required or beneficial)
- Family connections in the state
- Previous study in the state
Success Profile Example
Meet Kumar - Successful 190 Applicant
- Age: 32 years (25 points)
- English: PTE 79 all sections (20 points)
- Education: Bachelor's degree (15 points)
- Work Experience: 5 years overseas (10 points)
- Base Total: 70 points
- State Nomination: +5 points
- Final Total: 75 points
- State: South Australia
- Occupation: Accountant
- Timeline: Nominated in 6 weeks, invited in 2 months
Ready to Proceed?
If the Subclass 190 fits your profile, let's learn how the two-step process works with state nomination!